CRAIG MOORE has warned his Australian team-mates they must avoid red cards in today's historic World Cup knockout tie with Italy.

In every game Italy have played so far, their opponents have ended up with at least one man being sent off, a situation which helped the Azzurri immensely in their quest to secure a spot in the last 16.

For all the talk of Australia's physical approach, the Socceroos have largely kept out of trouble during the competition, the only casualty being Brett Emerton who was dismissed by hapless Premiership official Graham Poll in the frenzied latter stages against Croatia on Thursday.

But, with the heat of battle now intensified as the tournament enters sudden death, Moore knows it is imperative Australia maintain their discipline.

"We cannot afford to get sucked into making silly challenges," he said.

"It is going to be one of those games where it is hugely important to keep everyone on the field.

"Italy have been very impressive in their group stages. They are a fantastic team with great individual players and we cannot afford to give them any extra advantage."

Having survived one of the biggest gambles of his entire coaching career thanks to Harry Kewell's late equaliser against Croatia, coach Guus Hiddink will not be retaining the services of bumbling keeper Zeljko Kalac.

Hiddink surprisingly preferred Kalac to Middlesbrough's Mark Schwarzer for the crucial encounter, a move which backfired in spectacular fashion when the AC Milan player let Niko Kovac's soft shot slip through his fingers.

But, while Schwarzer's confidence can hardly have been boosted by his shock axing, he will be the man who faces Italy.

"Schwarzer will be in goal," confirmed Hiddink.

The Australian coach is yet to decide who will replace Emerton, with the options limited to 20-year-old Mark Milligan, whose experience is limited to the domestic A-League, or Jason Culina, who could move back from midfield, with Marco Bresciano off the bench.

Hiddink also has a major doubt over Kewell, whose groin problem is still causing concern.

The Liverpool midfielder has admitted there are days when he is in so much pain he cannot walk and he has not trained properly since his starring role in the Croatia game.

However, while Rafael Benitez might be concerned about the long-term effects on Kewell's health, if there is any chance of the 27-year-old being able to play in Kaiserslautern, he will.

"We will see what the situation is before the game and take it from there."

With an estimated 800,000 people of Italian origin living in Australia, interest in the game Down Under, already at an all-time high, has cranked up yet another notch.

And Moore, who sacrificed his career at Rangers to play for his country at the 2004 Olympic Games, can only see a rosy future for the round-ball football code in a country traditionally dominated by Aussie Rules, rugby league and rugby union.

"My career is coming to an end

but I am really excited for the future of Australian football. Hopefully we can continue to improve."